Text driving

A new federal mandate (executive order 13513) was issued this month affecting all federal government employees. The verbiage is as follows: In order to demonstrate leadership in improving safety on roads, Federal law now prohibits the use of text messaging while driving Government-wide on official business or while using Government-supplied equipment. Federal employees shall not engage in text messaging (a) when driving GOV, or when driving POV while on official Government business, or (b) when using electronic equipment supplied by the Government while driving. The policy is extended to contractors, subcontractors, and recipients and subrecipients who are encouraged to adopt and enforce policies that ban text messaging while driving company and government -owned or -rented vehicles or while driving any vehicle when on official Government business or when performing any work for or on behalf of the government. ''Driving'' means operating a motor vehicle on an active roadway with the motor running, including while temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic light or stop sign, or otherwise. (Air Force photo/Airman Anthony Jennings)